Training students how to handle bearded dragons?

[jessimarie]

I am the animal keeper at my school for two dragons, a snake, and two turtles. I know what to teach for the snake and turtles, however for the dragons I want to make sure I touch on every important topic they need to know when dealing with them for the first time. What would you guys deem extremely important for them to know? I am making a checklist for when we have training day.

 

[Taterbug]

-Lift gently from the front or sides, give full body support (including tail). Don't approach from the top/back or very fast.
-Don't clutch them tightly - let them sit on your hand/arm if possible (not for flighty individuals of course. )
-Don't bother their face - like snakes they can be headshy
-Closing the eyes can be a sign of discomfort or stress, not necessarily contentment.
-Don't pull on or hold by the tail
-Don't flip them over - it's stressful for them and they can injure themselves (or the handler) by struggling.
-Some like to jump even off shoulder and high perches. Care should be taken to avoid this. Sometimes just paying attention is enough, other times a hand on the dragon.

 

[JenessaDent]

Allow the dragon to lick you, and don't start when they do so! This is very important for them to get a general idea of who is lifting them up, who is handling them, etc.
First time handling them, you should hold them with their tail facing your body, this makes a lot of dragons feel more comfortable. Once they feel confident, they may very well spin around to face you and even crawl up your arm and onto your shirt!
Gentle strokes on the shoulders and back only at first! Do not pet against the grain of the scales, as this can hurt them or make them uncomfortable.
Try to avoid petting the head, particularly on and above their "third eye", as shadows in that area make them nervous, and covering altogether is only acceptable once they have gotten to know you very well.